chitosan
Sign in to saveChitosan is a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed β-(1→4)-linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated unit) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (acetylated unit). It is made by treating the chitin shells of shrimp and other crustaceans with an alkaline substance, such as sodium hydroxide.
Article
27 sectionsContents
- History
- Manufacture
- Chemical modifications
- Phosphorylated chitosan
- Thiolated chitosan
- Ionic chitosan
- Properties
- Solution
- Gel
- Noncovalent interactions
- Biological properties
- Uses
- Agricultural and horticultural use
- Natural biocontrol and elicitor
- Filtration
- Winemaking and fungal source chitosan
- Wound management
- Wound dressings
- Other forms
- Temperature-sensitive hydrogels
- Research
- Bioprinting
- Weight loss
- Food packaging
- Battery electrolyte
- References
- External links
Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed β-(1→4)-linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated unit) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (acetylated unit). It is made by treating the chitin shells of shrimp and other crustaceans with an alkaline substance, such as sodium hydroxide.
Chitosan has a number of commercial and possible biomedical uses. It can be used in agriculture as a seed treatment and biopesticide, helping plants to fight off fungal infections. In winemaking, it can be used as a fining agent, also helping to prevent spoilage. In industry, it can be used in a self-healing polyurethane paint coating. In medicine, it is useful in bandages to reduce bleeding and as an antibacterial agent; it can also be used to help deliver drugs through the skin.